Citroën C3 (2010 - 2016) 1.6 HDi 8V (110bhp) Exclusive 5d (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm training to be an old man with a hat (still need to earn the hat)

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

they think its practical

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'm in two minds, because the car is good but the dealer was not interested in talking to me after they had my money. Also the published fuel economy figures are rubbish unless there is huge friction in a new engine. Even this older model is supposed to do 70+ on a run, it doesnt, the dash computer tells me its doing anything from 55 to 70, tank to tank checks show that with slow gentle constant driving it does 56mpg. Which is ok, but nothing like the advertised numbers.

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe that polo with the great fuel economy (will try it out to see if it really does first though)

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£12,300

When did you buy the car?

March 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

LMC Citroen/Citroen Supermarket, I'm afraid there is a buyer beware here. The price was good and they were very friendly up until they sold me the wrong car...then it was a brick wall. They sold me the old model when I specifically asked them to confirm it was the new one with 109emissions...they said yes. It wasnt, and they just stonewalled me.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Quite, nice trim and good fuel economy

What was the dealer like?

The dealer constantly told me how knowledgeable they were, I told them I wanted to make sure I had the newer version with the 109emissions (being more fuel efficient and lower tax). I told them time and time again and they said it was definitely the new one. When I went to pick up the car I asked again, they said it was the new one, though I couldnt check the emissions as they did not have the V5. When I got the v5 it was the older model. I pointed out it was the wrong model and that I had asked for the 109emissions twice in email and lots of times on the phone, they said "they didnt specifically confirm that back to me on email"!! I pointed out it was in the citroen brochure (I bought mid march) and they said "I didnt realise it was public knowledge".

What's it like to drive?

Quiet and easy, rather poor around corners though.

What's it like to park?

Easy, though it looks like your much closer than you are at the back, so you squeeze as close as you dare, get out and there a foot left!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Only the dealer, the car is very solid and good. After selling me the wrong car they offered to take the car back (leaving me with no car) and sell me the one I wanted for an extra payment of a few thousand in a month or so!! Then they stone walled me. Not even the nice chap at citroen central could get them to respond to me.

What's most practical about your car?

Very comfortable and with the cruise you can go along slowly watching the scenery.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control and phone system is good